How Russians drink tea

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From old times tea is one of the most popular drinks in Russia and in fact it is much more popular than coffee or vodka for example. Today in big bustle cities we don’t have time for tea ceremonies and we Russians more and more drink tea rather fast during a day at work, homes or just take away from coffees.

Tea is one of national beverages because climate in Russia is not too hot.

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But along before and even now when we have time we do organize tea ceremonies for ourselves and our friends. Because we sincerely believe that drinking tea is an integral part of our national life style.

In our traditions we prefer to finish every meal with a hot drink. In the majority of restaurant after dishes waiters propose tea or coffee.

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Tea became popular in Russia at Peter the Great Epoch in 18th century. One of the most powerful tea importers were Chinese companies.

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Classical Russian tea ceremony consists of several parts. First part – we prepare zavarka – we put some grams of  tea for 3-4 persons in one special teakettle and put boiled or very hot water inside (depends on sort of tea). We need to make our tea concentrate. After 15 minutes we put some zavarka liquid inside tea cup ½ of the cup volume and add hot water to taste. Sugar and lemon are also separate to taste. According to Russian traditions one cup of tea is served with two cubes of sugar but you always may ask for more.

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Tea is a dependent drink. Russians take tea with chocolate, rusk biscuits, croissants, different jams called in Russian varenie and other tasty sugar snacks.

Many years ago Russians use Samovars to prepare tea. Samovar is a special container from metal to heat and boil water.

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Some interesting facts and tips about tea culture in Russia

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Most popular sort of tea in Soviet Period when in the country was deficit of products was Indian tea from Ceylon with a picture of an Elephant.

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Since Soviet epoch we have traditions to drink tea in special cups made from glass with metal cup holder. Today it is one of the ways how tea is served in Russian trains.

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According to polls, most of Russians prefer today black tea. Russians prefer today tea sachets instead of zavarka. Most popular tea is Lipton brand.

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In 2000s in Russia came fashion for elite green tea woo longs from Asia and from China especially.

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If some of you Russian friends invite you at home and offer a cup of tea it is better to accept it because it is some kind of respect and a good tradition. If somebody invites you directly to drink tea at his home in Russia don’t forget to bring some candies or chocolate with you.